Escape Learning

As a part of the Beyond the Books Educational Foundation grant we received, a group of teachers participated in Escape Box Challenge professional development in January. I couldn't wait to try this with my students and this quarter I added an Escape Box Challenge as one of our centers. Students used the title list and tablet to determine the call numbers. They then compared the call numbers to the code worksheet to decide

what the critical numbers are for the 4 digit lock. I wanted to make sure that our first challenge was fairly straight forward to allow for success. This was a HUGE hit with the 3rd through 5th grade. I can't wait to find another challenge for next semester. The students are requesting that there be an Escape each quarter and I agree.

Library centers have been a great addition to our book checkout time this year. We will continue to host 7 centers and the students move to the new center each week.

Listen to Reading Center: This quarter our stories focus on fall and winter. (Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving and the beginning of Winter) Students scan the QR code and listen to the story as a group.

​Book Checkout and Comfy Reading Corner: This group is given first access to checking out and extended time to browse the shelves. When finished, they get to read with a "stuffed buddy" in the comfy corner.

Boggle 3 Minute Challenge: In three minutes how many words can you make from this quarter's Boggle letters?

Try Technology Center: Build with Chrome Challenge. Student move to the computer lab with a Build with Chrome direction sheet. They are then challenged to build and save a word, animal, building, piece of fruit or vehicle.

Informational Tex Center: Nonfiction Text Feature Labeling. Student take piece of informational text and label text features with pre-printed sticky notes. They then check their answers by opening the photo app on the tablet and comparing their labels to the picture.

Library Skills Center: Dewey Decimal Category Matching Game. : Knowing how nonfiction books are classified will help you find books you are interested in. Play the Dewey Matching Game just like you play Memory.•Take one set of cards for you and your partner.•Turn all the cards upside down.•Each person takes a turn turning over 2 cards, looking for a match.•Use the guide on the outside of the bag to help match.

​Seasonal Center: I Can Change the World. Based on the poem "My Own Two Hands" students use crayons to decorate a hand any way they would like. Don’t leave any white! Hands from all students in the school will then be used to make a bulletin board in January.

Kristi Sutter

In 2009 I was given the chance to move into the best job in the world- Library Media Specialist! I work with students and teachers, coaching both in technology and sharing my passion for literature.